When keyboardist and vocalist Mel Davis hits the bandstand, he brings a "feel good" attitude with him.

Such was the case Wednesday, when Davis -- a Patterson native and resident who musically came of age in Newark's teeming organ scene of the 1960s and 1970s -- held forth exuberantly at Skipper's Plane Street Pub in Newark.

Working with his long time trio-mates -- guitarist Mark Bowers and drummer G. Earl Grice -- Davis' assurance and vivacity reflected his years of top-flight experience. He got listeners moving in their seats and tapping their feet with his agreeable mix of songs -- swinging and smooth jazz, R&B, blues, and funk -- and a variety of instrumental sounds, from organ to electric piano.

One of Jersey's top organists and keyboardists, Davis has played with aces like George Benson, and has recorded on such Benson CDs as 1993's "Love Remembers" (Warner Bros.) and 2004's "Irreplaceable" (GRP). Something akin to Benson's buoyant melodic and rhythmic approach could be felt in many of Davis' selections.

Like his ace original, "Pieces," from his 2006 "It's About Time" CD (Tom Tom). Boasting a Latin/funk beat and with the leader using an organ sound, the number moved beguilingly through three sections, from two different, riff-based melodies to an interlude of rich, ascending chords.

Davis' solo employed rapidly-repeated short bursts, bluesy lines, hunks of alluring chords, and more, all underpinned by popping rhythms. Bowers, with his ringing tone and potent technique that allowed for long, flowing thoughts, also was powerful. Grice delivered a flavorful, fluid beat.

Davis' version of Rodney Franklin's "In the Groove" -- with a dancing piano statement answered by a pulsing guitar lick, and culled from the leader's 2005 "Revealed" CD (Warlock) -- was another winner.

In the second set, Davis -- who has information at myspace.com/meldavismusic -- also lent his appealing tenor voice to an engaging bossa nova version of "It Was a Very Good Year."

Harlem-based singer Gloria Anderson sat in on four numbers. She lent a peppy swing vibe to "Love is Here to Stay," sang the soul classic, "Betcha By Golly, Wow" with panache, though a few of her notes were way loud for Skipper's cozy confines.

Other solid selections: Davis' look at Spyro Gyra's "Shaker Song," and a crafty version of "That's the Way Love Goes."

Opened in November 2007 by Norman Mann -- who sat in on some tunes on congas -- and Greg Salandi, Skipper's is a welcome addition to Newark's night life. It's a place where music, food, drink, and conversation are available in a comfortable, friendly environment.